U.S. Army All-American Bowl Player Biographies

-By Nikki Sherman for All American Games

LaRue, Sebastian | Wide Receiver | Santa Monica High School (Santa Monica, CA)
Rivals Ranking: 162 | Height: 5’11” | Weight: 185 lbs.

Three major things are crucial to a college decision for top prospect Sebastian LaRue: a great campus atmosphere, an open coaching staff, and an opportunity for early playing time. One would think that his third requirement should narrow down the pool of Division I schools in his queue, but Sebastian is such a highly-regarded athlete that this is not the case.

Early influences in his life came from his mother and older brother, as well as his Pop Warner coaches, specifically coach Steve Johnson, who he still keeps in touch with even though he has not played for Johnson in years. Sebastian also relies on his current coaches–head coach Travis Clark, position coach Sean Weston, and offensive coordinator Andre Gaines–especially during the grinding process of recruitment.

Oliver, Jake | Wide Receiver | Jesuit High School (Dallas, TX)
Rivals Ranking: 127 | Height: 6’4” | Weight: 194 lbs.

You can’t go wrong with a perfectionist, and wide receiver Jake Oliver counts himself as one. A high school career at Jesuit Preparatory School has helped him become a well-rounded student-athlete who is excellent with time management. That skill will come in handy when he joins the Texas Longhorns in 2013. Jake intends to continue his usual full academic workload, in addition to his football schedule. He also is a regular volunteer in community service.

Jake has had an excellent coach throughout his adolescence–father Gary Oliver was a three-year starter for Texas A & M, and followed that up with a few years as an assistant coach for the Aggies. It may be tough for Gary to cheer for the Longhorns now, but once his son takes the field, it won’t be difficult to root Jake on.